Swords Into Plowshares: Ron Paul Takes On The War Party

Many years ago Ron Paul published a collection of his speeches to Congress regarding foreign policy in a book titled A Foreign Policy Of Freedom. That book illustrated Paul’s unique consistency as a Congressman to stand strong against the military industrial complex during his many years as a representative. Time and time again when the hawks would sweep in banging the drums of war, Ron Paul would stand up and refute their arguments with common sense and wisdom from our nation’s founders.

A Foreign Policy Of Freedom was always my key go to reference for arguments with people asking why I “oppose the next war before it starts.” I have always said that a little history goes a long way and showing how the same manipulative tricks and propaganda have been used over and over by the “War Party” (Democrats and Republicans) over the years illustrates just how important it is to have a big picture perspective of current events.

The only problem with A Foreign Policy Of Freedom is that, being a collection of speeches, it was choppy and not well organized. Now, Ron Paul has taken all of the experience and wisdom from his previous works and years in Congress and released a very articulate and cohesive case for peace and freedom with his newest book Swords Into Plowshares.

Why are we continually involved in conflict after conflict? Why do people blindly support each new war that comes our way? Who stands to profit and benefit from perpetual military intervention? These questions and more are all addressed as are the unintended consequences of empire and trying to be the world’s police. If my war loving friends don’t get it after reading this…they never will.

Swords Into Plowshares is not only Paul’s clearest argument for a non-interventionist foreign policy, it is also his most autobiographical book to date. Stories about growing up during WWII and serving in the military provide a window into his past and help to further illustrate Paul’s grasp and understanding of the causes and consequences of war.

With the first Republican presidential debate of the 2016 election cycle coming up next week, I expect to see candidates falling over themselves to show who loves war more and who wants to start or escalate wars with the most countries (Iran, Syria, and Russia just to name a few). With Ron Paul’s approach to foreign policy highlighted over the past two election cycles, his common sense arguments are going to be sorely missed on the debate stage this year. Fortunately, we have Swords Into Plowshares to help cut through the fear mongering and lies and remind us what a truly liberty minded foreign policy looks like.